To continue the series of ranking the starters of each position in the NBA, this article will be covering the starting small forwards. The Philadelphia 76ers were able to retain Danny Green this offseason who is projected to be the starter for the franchise to begin next season.
At the age of 34-years-old, it’s fair to question where he ranks among his fellow starting small forwards. He did well in the previous rankings of small forwards, but will he do as well this time around? As with the previous articles in this series, if a player is projected to miss or all of the regular season then they won’t be included in these rankings.
30. Franz Wagner
Despite being a top-10 pick in this past draft, personally, I’m not high on Franz Wagner as a prospect. The Orlando Magic is a rebuilding team and due to his draft pedigree, Wagner will get the first crack at the starting job. He has the potential, but he will take time to develop.
29. Reggie Bullock
Reggie Bullock‘s a great 3-point shooter who’s slowly improved on defense. He’s the big free agent signing for the Dallas Mavericks this offseason and with a new head coach in Jason Kidd, having more floor spacers like Bullock around Doncic in the starting five makes sense for how Kidd coaches.
28. Isaac Okoro
The Cleveland Cavaliers have a bright young core and Isaac Okoro is a part of that. He’s a defensive ace and has the potential to become a two-way player. He showed flashes in his rookie season and has a chance to take a positive step in his development. However, with so many new offensive weapons on the Cavaliers, his scoring might only take a jump in his second year.
27. Kyle Anderson
Most of last season Kyle Anderson was the starting power forward for the Memphis Grizzlies and that was due to an injury to Jaren Jackson Jr. However, this season Jackson is healthy and Anderson earned himself a starting job from last year even if he’s at the other forward spot.
26. Josh Giddey
The Oklahoma City Thunder surprised most on draft night when the selected point guard Josh Giddey with the sixth overall pick. At 6-foot-8, he can play at the small forward spot and still be a primary playmaker. Giddy is a great playmaker, good rebounder, and ok defender. He still needs to improve shooting the ball, but on a rebuilding team, he has the ability to take his time to do so.